Danny Coale hadn’t punted in a game in more than two months. But with Virginia Tech 118th among 120 teams nationally in net punting, coach Frank Beamer turned to Coale in the season’s biggest game.

The Hokies’ leader in receiving yards responded in a large way, averaging 47.5 yards on four punts in Saturday’s 38-0 thrashing of Virginia.

“It was right before the game,” Coale said of when he learned of his added chores. “Coach Beamer told me he was comfortable with it. I was excited. I was hoping I’d get another shot at it.”

Coale, a fifth-year senior, punted and place-kicked at Episcopal High in Alexandria, where he also played wide receiver and defensive back. His debut as a college punter was this season at Marshall, where his two efforts traveled 37 and 25 yards.

Saturday, with the ACC’s Coastal Division at stake, Beamer opted for experience. Not punting experience, at least on the college level, but for big-game experience.

Long among Tech’s most clutch performers (remember his 81-yard catch-and-run against Nebraska in 2009 and career-best 143 receiving yards last year against Florida State?), Coale boomed his first kick 52 yards. Others sailed 44, 52 and 42 yards.

And he didn’t outkick his coverage. Virginia’s Perry Jones netted just 9 yards on four returns.

“There was a little bit of luck, too,” Coale said of his first punt. “My drop wasn’t good, but I looked up and it kept going. … After I got the first one out of the way, I was fine.”

Coale caught two routine passes for 15 yards Saturday. His punting was far from routine.

Expect double-duty again in the ACC championship game against Clemson.

I can be reached at 247-4636 or by e-mail at dteel@dailypress.com. Follow me at twitter.com/DavidTeelatDP